Is it too Early to get Excited About Spring?
- Annie
- Feb 7, 2016
- 2 min read
Such an odd winter. Although we've had the occasional frosty morning and some chill winds, I can't remember a warmer one here in the East Angles. The blackthorn blossom is at least a month early as are many cultivated species. Normally I take a ridiculous amount of pleasure in this visual delight. Seemingly heaving, snow laden boughs of blossom and all the joy of spring just starting out. I get heady on the bright light, the increased warmth of the sun and the utterly gorgeous bird song. Joy!
However, this early blossoming is more concerning. Will we get sharp frosts that will kill the flowers and prevent fruiting? Is it too early to get excited about spring?
Oddly, the beloved snopdrop hasn't been particurly previous. Of course, there have been garden varieties about over several weeks but my own little gems are only just in bud. Ours are always later due to large, old hedging stealing the light.
"The Snowdrop, in purest white array, First rears her head on Candlemas day."
The snowdrop is not native plant, having been introduced to the British Isles from southern Europe late in the sixteenth century. It is considered bad luck to bring them into the house, which is actually good news for the flower as they look much better nestling in the woods, churchyard and garden.
The lovely little faces above are one of the few signs that there were once tied cottages nestling in this little village wood. It has amazed me that virtually all traces of these buildings have been removed. Where are the foundations, the bricks, gardens, etc.? They merely appear as two little squares on Popular Edition Maps 1919-1926. In less than a hundred years nature has reclaimed the space. I did fnd part of a broken cup but I think it warrants further investigation. Watch this space!
Did you know that the name snowdrop refers not to a drop of snow but to the old word for earring - eardrop?
Too early to celebrate spring? Certainly not in my book. Listen to the glorious songthrush and the skylark with gratitude. We may have plenty of cold weather yet to come but each sunny, blue sky day is lengthening, the snowdrops are beautiful and just enjoy the blackthorn blossom whilst it's there. Nature is astonishing, we are blessed.
With love, Annie x
© Norfolk Pyschics 2016
Comentarios